Here is another interesting article that brings in arguments about an important issue in education. I really find these kinds of articles to be very interesting to read because it's always fun to hear two different point of views on a topic along with an explanation.
The ipad will most certainly revolutionize education. the ipad brings in "the same functionalities to the classroom that the laptop does" (Paragraph 1). we have wireless connectivity, 24/7 multimedia information available, and is portable. You can transition from big projects that require specific soft-wares, to smaller "app-based learning activities" (Paragraph 2). A teacher could easily test drive an educational app in less tahn a day and have a good lesson plan for the class pretty quick. The ipad is also useful because it allows for "portability and kinesthetic interaction that a laptop cannot provide" (Paragraph 5). The many apps, all with different functions, can aide one in doing certain assignments, so no more need for a book and pen/pencil.This argument ends by claiming that we are providing out teachers with the tolls and the opportunity to experiment with new technology.
The second argument begins by saying that " 'improvements' isn't 'revolution' " (Paragraph 2). Its far more simple to have education in the traditional form, with "programmed learning, computers, the internet, laptops, interactive whiteboards" (Paragraph 11). Let's not forget that ipads are much not cheap compared to laptops. With the ipad, we have to worry about their vulnerability to "breakage and theft" (Paragraph 12). Also, ipads cannot teach students keyboarding skills, and improve their typing/writing. With digitalize content placed online, education has become much more than it was before, "if the content was effective pedagogy before, it's effective now" (Paragraph 13) and simply putting them on a new screen doesn't make it better. this argument ends with a really good point, saying "educators are really the ones who can revolutionize education" (Paragraph 14).
After reading this article, it really got me thinking about how much education really is changing. It is true that we are now living in a new digital age! But going back to the article, It was really tough to chose a side. One, because I think the ipad would make an interesting new tool for students and teachers to use. But the second argument also brings in good points too; the ipad is not cheap, and it is very vulnerable to unfortunate events. If I had to chose, I would say that I would not really support the Ipad in classrooms, I have seen many students with Ipads in classes today, and almost 90% of the time, they are browsing facebook, reading email, or playing video games, also, where are we going to get the money to provide ipads for every student in a classroom? and then what if they get damaged or dropped and broken or malfuncions?. To teach a class with Ipads, we as educators would first have to understand the ipad, get to know it well, then once we are really confident, we will have to teach our students how to use it (depending on grade of course). As much as I love the ipad, I would have to say no.
What about you? what side do you support and why?
I have seen a lot of new information and research on the use of I Pads in classrooms. I personal believe it is a great idea to use the I Pads in the classroom. For physical education the I Pad gives teacher an amazing tool to help students improve and develop their skills. The different apts offered in the I Pad give students an enhanced learning experience that many text books do not offer. I can also see the other side of the argument in that I Pad does not offer students the skills for typing and other computer capabilities. I agree with the article in that it is ultimately the educator who determines the effects and limits of technology.
ReplyDeleteNeal Sulman
Ismael,
ReplyDeleteOur school recently received 20 iPads for our Kindergarten and first grades to share. I used iPads last year with my fifth grade class, but this will be my first time using them with younger children. I agree with the comment about their vulnerability to being broken; however, it also seems like the four desktop computers in my classroom are constantly freezing!
I'm very interested in finding out how easily my students will be able to navigate the applications we have installed on the iPad in order to use them in a productive manner.
I completely agree with the point that "educators are ultimately the ones who can revolutionize education." Using this technology in class is a wonderful addition to the curriculum. My students will have access to math and reading programs that has the potential to increase their learning tremendously. Then again, it is also my responsibility to research programs, watch my students, and find the most productive way to implement this technology into my classroom routine. It is definitely not an easy task and any teacher receiving these technologies needs to be willing to put in the extra work in order to do so.
Nonetheless, I know they will be beneficial to my students!